Month: April 2025

Indian batter Shreyas Iyer achieved the accolade of the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for March 2025, surpassing competitors Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand, as per a report from ICC.

Iyer emerged as the top run-scorer for India with 243 runs, contributing significantly to India’s success in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai and Pakistan. Iyer’s receipt of this award signified that India has claimed it consecutively, with Shubman Gill winning the accolade for February.

Iyer played an integral part in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy journey, serving an important function in the middle-order. His exceptional stroke-play helped India navigate the middle overs, and his ability to stabilize the innings while establishing important partnerships was crucial in leading his team to a triumphant campaign.

Iyer expressed his gratitude and honour for being named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March. He highlighted the significance of the award, especially in a month when India won the ICC Champions Trophy. He credited his teammates, coaches, and support staff for their contributions to his success.

“I’m truly honoured to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March. This recognition is incredibly special, especially in a month where we lifted the ICC Champions Trophy — a moment I will cherish forever. Being able to contribute to India’s success on such a big stage is something every cricketer dreams of. I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and support staff for their unwavering support and belief,” Shreyas Iyer said as per ICC.

The 30-year-old amassed 172 runs in three matches during March, maintaining an average of 57. 33, with a moderate strike rate of 77. 47, which featured some impressive innings. Iyer was the second-highest run-scorer of the Champions Trophy 2025, only 20 runs behind Rachin Ravindra. (ANI)

The situation in West Bengal’s Dhuliyan town in the Jangipur subdivision of the Murshidabad district is under control after the violent protests staged against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11, officials said.

Security personnel, including BSF and CRPF, have been deployed in the area, and authorities have stated that the situation is now under control.

Locals recounted the chaos that unfolded during the violence, which left several shops and properties damaged.

One shopkeeper, speaking to ANI, described the devastation: “My entire building has been destroyed. All the glass has shattered. The rear side of the building was weak — it had wooden windows and doors. They broke through that and entered inside. They caused complete destruction and even looted some of our belongings. Opposite my building, I have a shop. They broke the shutter of that shop too. Monday was a bank holiday, so I received all the payments on Tuesday. I had around Rs13.5 lakh in cash with me. The cash was meant to be deposited at the bank, but it was all stolen. Apart from that, my shop had furniture and equipment worth Rs7-8 lakh, including chairs, tables, CPUs, computers, and laptops. Altogether, I had nearly Rs20-25 lakh in losses.”

Another local shopkeeper, Adhir Ravi Das, shared his plight: “My shop has been completely damaged. Nothing is left. If the administration helps, we will be able to open the shop, or else nothing can be done. Materials worth Rs 6-7 lakhs were in the shop; everything has been burnt. We want peace. Since BSF is here, the situation is normal. We don’t know what will happen if BSF is removed from here. We want a BSF camp here.”

Shopkeeper Habib-ur-Rehman said that the situation has improved. “The situation in Samserganj is normal now. The administration is asking us to open our shops and stay disciplined. The situation has changed after BSF and CRPF have been deployed,” he said.

Security forces continue to patrol sensitive areas to maintain order, and the administration has urged residents to remain calm and resume normal activities. (ANI)

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday carried out searches at the premises of Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas in Rajasthan and AAP leader Kulwant Singh in Punjab, among more than 15 locations, in the matter of Pearl Agro Corporation Limited (PACL), which concerns investor fraud involving Rs 48,000 crore.

The raids have been underway since early Tuesday across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan.

ED officials familiar with the development said the locations being searched include the residential premises of Khachariyawas, former Cabinet Transport Minister of Rajasthan and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh.

Further, the central agency said that a First Information Report (FIR) has also been registered against associates of late Nirmal Singh Bhangoo for illegally disposing of the properties of PACL and associate entities.

In October last year, the central agency conducted searches at 44 premises across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand in the case against PACL. The company had illegally collected at least Rs 49,100 crore from 58 million investors over 18 years, as alleged.

The ED probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. It was alleged that PACL collected money from the public through illegal collective investment schemes for allotting plots in different parts of the country or by giving the option to take back their expected tentative value of land in lieu of the allotted plot under the scheme on maturity.

As per the ED, the directors of PACL siphoned off the amounts received from investors by transferring them to shell companies located in Kolkata on the pretext of land development expenses. The funds were later withdrawn in cash and handed over to the key associates of PACL in Delhi. They were further transferred from Delhi via “hawala” to the companies incorporated in Dubai in the name of the key associates of PACL for the purchase of immovable properties abroad.

The agency has already attached two immovable properties in Australia worth Rs 462 crore in 2018 and movable and immovable properties worth Rs 244 crore in India in 2022.

The ED has so far filed prosecution complaints against 11 entities, including PACL and its related companies, and the main accused, late Nirmal Singh Bhagoo, along with his alleged close associates, KS Toor, ML Sehjpal, Prateek, CP Khandelwal, and others. (ANI)

The Blue Origin all-women crew have officially landed safely back on Earth after their April 14 visit to space.

Along with Jeff Bezos’ fiancee Lauren Sanchez, the team included Katy Perry, Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn, according to E! News.

The crew, who were in space for approximately four minutes, traveled to the Karman line (the spot separating Earth’s atmosphere and space) 62 miles above the planet.

When they reached the ground, both Katy and Gayle immediately kissed the ground, grateful for their return. Meanwhile, Lauren, happily back on Earth, joked that she needed to return for her wedding to Jeff this summer, as per the outlet.

“All the love that was in that capsule, and all the heart and the feelings, and seeing Jeff before I left, I just,” she told Blue Origin at the West Texas launch site, adding, “I had to come back. I mean, we’re getting married! If I didn’t come back, that would be a bummer for me,” according to E! News.

Aisha, whose lifelong dream was to go to space, shared, “When we got in and counted down from ten, I started to hear some singing, and we lifted off, and everybody could just feel the energy in the capsule. And when we got up there and we got out of our seats, we all just looked at each other, and there was this moment.”

Aisha added, “There was a very special moment between all of us, and it’s just beautiful.”

Gayle shared she had no regrets about going to space. “It’s oddly quiet when you get up there, and you look down at the planet,” she admitted. “It really made me think we really need to do better.”

“We are forever bounded. You can’t go through what we’ve gone through and not be,” she added. “It really is a true sisterhood.”

Gayle added that on their way down, Katy sang “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

On why she chose the song, Katy shared, “I’ve covered that song in the past, and obviously, my higher self is steering the ship because I had no idea I would one day sing that in space.”

“It’s about making space for future women,” she continued. “This is all for the benefit of Earth.”

Ahead of the launch, Lauren’s fiance and Blue Origin founder Jeff joined the launch to support his partner, sharing a message with the crew before takeoff. “I am so excited for you, I don’t want to get off,” he said while on the rocket with the crew. “I want to go with you.”

“And when you get back,” he continued, “I can’t wait to hear how it’s changed you. I love all of you. See you soon, Godspeed,” according to E! News. (ANI)

Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal have started their discussions for the upcoming Bihar elections, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav meeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other party leaders in Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, party’s General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal and others. On the RJD side, MP Manoj Jha, MP Sanjay Yadav and other leaders were present.

Early this morning, Tejashwi Yadav landed at Delhi airport for his official meeting with the Congress over the Bihar polls. After coming out of the airport, he said they would be discussing seat-sharing and poll strategy at Kharge’s residence.

Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, “Today is our official meeting. We will discuss the strategies for Bihar (elections). “

Speaking about the meeting, RJD leader and RS MP Manoj Jha told ANI, “This is a formal meeting. If we look at the Congress party’s allies, RJD has been the oldest ally as of now. In this formal meeting, the entire scenario will be discussed.”

Saying that the “entire context” of Bihar will be discussed, Jha added, “This meeting has been scheduled keeping in view the entire context of Bihar, and since the elections are now about 6-8 months away, it will be discussed.”

Notably, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar has raised the issue of migration in Bihar, taking out the ‘Naukri do’ rally to urge the state government to stop migration and facilitate job creation for the youth. On April 7, Kumar was joined by Rahul Gandhi in Begusarai for the yatra.

Earlier on March 30, while sounding the poll bugle for the party in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed former bihar CM Lalu Prasad Yadav of presiding over a “jungle raj” and corruption between 1990-2005.

“What did Lalu Yadav’s government do in Bihar from 1990 to 2005? Lalu Yadav’s government defamed Bihar in the country and the world by doing a fodder scam in the entire state. His government will always be known as ‘Jungle Raj’ in the history of Bihar,” the Home Minister said.

A high stakes battle is expected to take place in Bihar, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA); consisting of Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party fighting against the Mahagathbandan; consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and left parties.

Mallikarjun Kharge is also expected to take out a rally in Bihar’s Buxar on April 20. (ANI)

Passenger vehicle sales in India reached an all-time high of 4.3 million units in the financial year 2024-25, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

This marks a 2 per cent increase compared to the previous year, Utility Vehicles (UVs) remained the key growth driver in the passenger vehicle segment. Their share in overall sales rose to 65 per cent in FY 2024-25, up from around 60 per cent in the previous year.

SIAM said “Passenger Vehicles (PV) posted its highest ever sales in FY 2024-25 of 4.3 million units, with a growth of 2 per cent as compared to FY 2023-24”.

It also added that new model launches with modern designs and advanced features attracted more buyers. Additionally, attractive discounts and promotional offers helped keep up the demand.

As per data, passenger vehicles also saw their highest-ever exports during the year, reaching 0.77 million units.

This is a 14.6 per cent increase compared to FY 2023-24. The rise in exports was supported by demand for global models made in India, especially in Latin American and African markets. Some automakers even began exporting to developed countries.

Overall, the Indian automobile industry grew 7.3 per cent in domestic sales and saw a strong 19.2 per cent jump in exports.

SIAM credited this performance to strong customer demand, government support, infrastructure investments, and the growing focus on sustainable mobility. Positive economic policies and healthy market sentiment also helped sustain the growth.

Two-wheeler sales saw solid recovery, with 19.6 million units sold in FY 2024-25, showing a growth of 9.1 per cent. Improved rural demand and rising consumer confidence played a key role in this growth. The scooter segment led the way, thanks to better connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas and the launch of new models with better features.

Electric vehicles (EVs) also gained ground, with their share in total two-wheeler sales crossing 6 per cent during the year. Two-wheeler exports grew strongly by 21.4 per cent to reach 4.2 million units. This was due to new product launches and increased demand in Africa and Latin America.

Looking ahead, SIAM expects the auto sector to continue its growth in FY 2025-26. Stable economic conditions, proactive government policies, and infrastructure spending are likely to support this growth. A normal monsoon, as forecasted, is also expected to boost demand, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. (ANI)

Reacting over an incident of attack on Jain monks in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said the state government would not tolerate any such incident and strict action would be taken against the accused.

“I got information about yesterday’s incident that some people misbehaved with our Jain monks after drinking alcohol. We immediately formed a police team and caught all the people. The government will not tolerate any such incident. With this, I have given a strong message, and strict action will be taken against the accused,” CM Yadav said while speaking to reporters in Indore.

CM Yadav reached Indore to pay tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar at his birthplace memorial in Mhow on his birth anniversary.

“Today, on the occasion of Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, I paid tribute to him at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore. I am happy that just yesterday, Prime Minister Modi approved a new train from Mhow to Delhi; we inaugurated it as well. It is a big gift for Babasaheb’s birthplace. Two days ago, our government launched the Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, which is a big scheme for milk producers that would benefit the huge population of the state,” the CM said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Jagdish Devda also reacted to the Neemuch incident and said that the police took action, resulting in the arrest of six people. He further emphasised that the law would follow its course and the accused would be spared.

“Action has been taken by the police, and about six people have been arrested. The police and the state government will take strict action on the matter. The law will do its job. No such people will be spared,” Dy CM Devda said.

The attack on the Jain monks occurred in Kachhala village under the jurisdiction of the Singoli police station in Neemuch district on the intervening night of April 13. Following this, the police swung into action, formed a team and arrested all the accused involved in the incident.

“A few anti-social elements attacked three Jain monks in Kachhala village under Singoli police station limits on the intervening night of April 13. It was an unfortunate incident; we formed a police team in the night itself and rounded up all the accused. Strict action will be taken against them,” said Ankit Jaiswal, Superintendent of Police (SP, Neemuch).

Neemuch Collector Himanshu Chandra said that a case was registered against the accused under strong sections and the administration was committed that such incidents would not repeat in future. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Monday blamed the Joe Biden administration for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and claimed that the war would not have occurred if the 2020 election had not been “rigged.”

Sharing a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The war between Russia and Ukraine is Biden’s war, not mine. I just got here, and for four years during my term, I had no problem preventing it from happening. President Putin and everyone else respected your President! I had nothing to do with this war, but I am working diligently to get the death and destruction to stop. If the 2020 Presidential Election was not rigged, and it was, in so many ways, that horrible war would never have happened.”

He further criticised both former President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their handling of the situation.

“President Zelenskyy and Crooked Joe Biden did an absolutely horrible job in allowing this travesty to begin. There were so many ways of preventing it from ever starting. But that is the past. Now we have to get it to stop and fast.”

Earlier in March, Trump had also criticised Biden’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, suggesting that under Biden, Russia attempted to take control of all of Ukraine.

“Under President Bush, Russia got Georgia. Under President Obama, they got a nice big submarine base, a nice big chunk of land where they have their submarines. Under President Trump, they got nothing and under President Biden, they tried to get the whole thing. They tried to get the whole of Ukraine. If I didn’t get in here, they would have gotten the whole thing,” Trump said.

Trump added, “I gave Russia nothing except grief. We have to make a deal because there are a lot of people being killed who shouldn’t be killed. But remember, Trump gave them nothing, and the other presidents gave them a lot. They gave him everything.”

Meanwhile, President Trump has said Russia’s deadly missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday was “a mistake,” calling it a “horrible thing” even as members of his administration went further with condemnation that served as a rare critique of Moscow while the White House is pushing for a ceasefire, the New York Times reported.

“I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing,” Trump said about the Sumy attack.

On Sunday morning, two ballistic missiles struck Sumy, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 individuals and leaving over 100 others injured. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing promotions for ‘Kesari 2’, Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, and Ananya Panday on Monday offered prayers at the Golden Temple.

Sharing a picture from the sacred visit, Akshay took to Instagram and wrote, “Sir jhukaya, sukun paya (Head bowed, found peace),” Akshay captioned the post.

The image shows Akshay, Madhavan and Ananya could be seen expressing gratitude to God with folded hands.

Ananya, too, shared a picture with her ‘Kesari 2’ co-stars from the Golden Temple and captioned it, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh #KesariChapter2.”

Kesari Chapter 2 will focus on the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The lead star, Akshay Kumar, will play the legendary advocate C Sankaran Nair in the film, which will be released on April 18. It is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Karan Johar

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s colonial history. According to the Ministry of Culture, the massacre marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle and is remembered as a symbol of courage and resistance.

The massacre occurred in Amritsar, Punjab, where thousands had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh during the festival of Baisakhi.

The gathering was also meant to peacefully protest against the Rowlatt Act and demand the release of leaders Dr Satyapal and Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew.British officer Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, without issuing any warning, ordered his troops to fire on the unarmed crowd.

According to the Ministry of Culture, “1650 rounds were fired. The firing ceased only after the ammunition had ran out.” While official British records put the death toll at 291, Indian leaders like Madan Mohan Malviya estimated over 500 deaths.

Kesari 1, which was released in 2019, followed the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi, a battle between 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army and 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen in 1897. Parineeti Chopra played a pivotal role in the first chapter. (ANI)

The excitement level among fans has been upped ever since they learned about the return of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan to Bollywood with ‘Abir Gulaal’ film opposite Vaani Kapoor.

On Monday, the makers treated the audience to the film’s love anthem ‘Khudaya Ishq’, which is sung by Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao. The music is composed by Amit Trivedi.

“Creating the music for Abir Gulaal has been a truly enriching journey, and this first song is a testament to the beautiful synergy between Kumaar’s evocative words and the melodious voice of Arijit Singh alongside Shilpa Rao. It’s a melody woven with emotion, and I sincerely hope it touches the hearts of everyone who listens,” Amit Trivedi said in a press note.

Have a look at the romantic chemistry between Fawad and Vaani in ‘Khudaya Ishq’ song

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIasDxTNMPQ

Directed by Aarti S. Bagdi, Abir Gulaal follows the journey of two individuals whose unexpected bond leads them to emotional healing and a blossoming love.

On April 1, the film’s teaser was unveiled.

The teaser saw Fawad and Vaani sharing a tender moment inside a car, enjoying the rain, before the playful exchange of dialogue ignites their chemistry.When Vaani teasingly asked, “Are you flirting with me?”, Fawad responded with his signature charm, “Do you want me to?”

The teaser concluded with the heartwarming message, “Bringing love back.”According to Bagdi, the film explores how love can emerge as a beautiful, unanticipated consequence of healing.

The film’s producers are Vivek B Agrawal, Avantika Hari, and Rakesh Sippy.

Fawad’s return to the silver screen comes almost nine years after his last Bollywood film, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ (2016), following the controversy around the ban on Pakistani artists after the 2016 Uri Attack.

Fawad Khan became a household name in India with his stellar performance in Pakistani drama ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’ (2012) followed by his appearance in Bollywood films such as ‘Khoobsurat’ (2014) and ‘Kapoor & Sons’ (2016). (ANI)